Lipomyelomeningocele: Introduction

Lipomyelomeningocele: A rare congenital condition where a fatty mass is attached to the spinal cord and protrudes through a defect in the spinal cord. It forms a mass under the skin and damage to this mass or compression of adjacent spinal cord can have neurological consequences. Compression effects are more likely to occur if the patient gains or loses weight rapidly - especially during growth spurts. It can develop anywhere along the spine but is less common in the neck and upper regions of the spine. The condition is often associated with other congenital abnormalities such as cloacal malformations or imperforate anus. The severity of the condition is variable depending on whether neurological symptoms develop due to the attachment to the spinal cord.
More detailed information about the symptoms,
causes, and treatments of Lipomyelomeningocele is available below.

Treatments for Lipomyelomeningocele

Surgery is recommended sooner rather than later (usually at 4-8 months of age) in order to avoid any neurological complications that may develop with time. The patient needs to be monitored for about 8 years after the surgery as neurological complications from the surgery may take years to develop

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